the most fun year i did it it was horrifically wet so pray for rain.
its ok in teh dry but the xc boys make you feel inferior whereas in the wet its a great leveller and you get to feel like sam hill as all teh xc boys struggle on teh exceedingly slippery downs and everyone is in all sorts of comedy problems on the ups. well, except the really good guys who appear to defy gravity.
expect someone to stop inappropriately on a steep downhill section to which you are committed causing interesing line choice requirements.
the first lap is a scrum on the first few hills – get those elbows and 4x overtaking maneuvers dialled. and the apologies/excuses for when it goes wrong.
go fast on teh down bits – there is nothing worse than getting stuck behind someone mincing on a good bit.
you dont need a dropper – save weight for more cake/beer/tea.
drink tea/beer and eat cake.